Safety Archives - Warfelcc

Safety Week at Warfel Construction

Posted on May 16, 2024October 16, 2024 by adminwarfelcc

Building a Culture of Safety Through Core Values: Safety Week at Warfel Construction

At Warfel Construction, safety is a holistic priority grounded in our appreciation for each individual. Our safety culture, driven by core values of honesty, integrity, accountability, teamwork, and initiative, focuses on creating work environments that promote physical, mental, and emotional wellness. The agenda for Safety Week is thoughtfully crafted to reflect this culture.

Safety Week Overview

Construction Safety Week is an annual event aimed at raising awareness about our industry’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of safety. It provides a platform for sharing best practices, tools, and resources, encouraging people and companies across the industry to come together to celebrate and reaffirm our commitment to sending everyone home safe every day.

“Whether an employee or a visitor, we want to ensure that everyone who steps onto a Warfel job site leaves healthy, safe, and more engaged than ever,” said President Conlan Swope. “This commitment drives us daily, and we recognize that we all play a role in the safety and wellness of others.”

Engagement During Safety Week

Safety Week is a top priority at Warfel, with every employee participating in a variety of educational sessions designed to foster teamwork and camaraderie. A dedicated committee spends months planning the event to ensure that all activities are both productive and relevant.

Each day begins with an opening address from leadership, followed by an interactive stretching session. Morning classes cover Handling Jobsite Emergencies, Power Tool Safety, and Scaffolding. The afternoons include sessions on Food, Nutrition, and Mental Health. This variety is essential for keeping participants engaged and interactive. Law enforcement professionals have also led active shooter training sessions in previous years.

“While Safety Week is a highlight for us, the safety and education of our employees is a daily focus at Warfel,” said Mike Monaco, Director of Risk Management. “We invest significant resources into programs that strengthen our safety culture. These resources include training in stretching and therapy techniques, education on musculoskeletal injuries, mental health crisis support, and physical wellness incentive programs.”

Conclusion

Warfel Construction is fosters a culture of continuous improvement, working collaboratively with employees and partners to ensure a safer and healthier work environment.

About Warfel Construction Company

Established in 1911, Warfel Construction Company provides general construction and construction management services to clients throughout Pennsylvania, Virginia, and surrounding states. Visit Warfel online at warfelcc.com.

Employee Spotlight – Jonathan Heisey, Safety Engineer

Posted on January 26, 2024October 16, 2024 by adminwarfelcc

Meet our newest Safety Engineer, Jonathan Heisey! Jonathan grew up in Elizabethtown, PA and is a recent graduate of Millersville University. In his free time, Jonathan enjoys saltwater and ice fishing and hunting deer and waterfowl. Recently completing our internship program at Warfel, Jonathan shares his experience as an intern followed by accepting a full-time position as a Safety Engineer:

Q: What inspired you to pursue your career?

A: After working with a few construction contractors throughout high school and college as a Carpenter, I realized the importance of safety in the construction industry. I have family friends who went to Millersville for the same degree I have, and their feedback and experiences helped steer me in this direction. After a few internships, I knew I made the right choice.

Q: What skills did you learn during your internship that helped prepare you for your current position?

A: I think the internship experience helped me learn the things you do not learn in the classroom. There are always different scenarios that will come up when you are on a job site. I am still learning, but I gained a lot of experience in how to deal with a variety of situations. The different skills I learned include communication, working with a variety of people, organization, and how to effectively utilize our software programs.

Q: What is your proudest professional achievement or success story so far?

A: One time, I walked up to an unsafe situation on a job site. I talked through the situation with the employees and was able to come up with a safe solution for them to continue working. Afterward, one of the employees came up to me and expressed how grateful they were that the situation was fixed. They said they felt unsafe but did not know how to correct the situation. This made me proud that I could make a difference.

Q: What is your dream project?

A: I enjoy big projects and learning new things, so my dream project would be to work on a large project that has multiple things going on like large scaffold setups, big excavations, and cranes.

Q: Do you have a career goal you would like to accomplish in the next two years? The next five years?

A: Now that I have graduated, I recently received my GSP certification. Within the next two years, I would like to get my CHST certification. In the next 5 years, I would like to get my CSP certification.

Q: Share a piece of advice for other students considering the construction industry as a career path.

A: Have an open mind and soak up as much information as possible. Ignore the stereotypes because they are not true. There are a lot of knowledgeable/skilled people in the industry. It may be intimidating at first with a lot of new construction vocabulary you do not understand but do not be afraid to ask questions.

Q: If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be and why?

A: I would have to say the ability to fly. It would be cool to fly around PA and visit job sites instead of driving.

Learn more about our internship opportunities at Warfel Construction: https://www.warfelcc.com/intern-program/

Warfel Ranks Nationally in ABC’s Top Performers 2023

Posted on March 22, 2023 by adminwarfelcc

Warfel Construction Company is excited to announce that the firm has been named one of ABC’s Top Performers 2023. This prestigious recognition given by Associated Builders and Contractors indicates a firm’s excellence in safety, quality, talent management, education, and community relations. Warfel’s inclusion in this list is a testament to the company’s dedication to its mission of Clients for Life.

“We are thrilled to be included among the top performers for 2023, and I think it speaks to the work that our employees do every day,” says President and CEO Matt Hartzler. “Through our company culture of innovation and our core values of Honesty, Integrity, Accountability, Initiative, and Teamwork, we’re able to be confident leaders in our industry.”

Warfel’s ranking in the top 100, top 50, and top 20 in three separate categories is a significant achievement. The company was ranked #78 in overall Top 250 Performers, #38 in Top General Contractors, and #16 in Top Healthcare Contractors.

One critical aspect that sets Warfel apart from its competitors is a focus on safety. To be considered for the Top Performers list each year, a firm must achieve ABC STEP Gold status or higher based on the previous year’s safety data. “Creating safer workplaces and limiting liability and risk are increasingly shared goals of not just Warfel, but that of our clients as well,” says Jason Beiler, Safety Manager at Warfel.

“ABC’s Top Performer program, in particular the STEP program component, gives us something tangible to show our clients that we are looking out for their interests as well. Participation in the STEP program ensures that we are continually evaluating and evolving our corporate safety program,” he notes.

A Commitment to Excellence

The Top Performers designation is based not only on safety, but also excellence in quality, talent management, education, and community relations. These four categories are outlined in the Accredited Quality Contractor (AQC) program through ABC, which Warfel earned once again in December 2022.

“We believe that Warfel provides value in many ways that are outlined in the AQC program, and it’s evident in how we complete projects and treat our clients,” says Brett Calabretta, VP of Work Acquisition.

A commitment to quality and talent management often go hand in hand. Warfel has a reputation for delivering projects on time and within budget while maintaining the highest standards. A major factor in this achievement is ensuring that the right team is assembled for each project. By having a diverse mix of experiences, they provide a balance of knowledge and understanding from similar projects, along with new and innovative ideas.

The company also prioritizes educating the next generation of construction leaders while focusing on community relations. Through job shadowing and co-op programs with local trade schools, Warfel identifies talent early and helps create a path toward rewarding opportunities in construction. They also ensure that as each team member is brought on board, they receive the necessary training and support to perform their best. This focus on early and continued education is another major way in which Warfel provides values to their clients.

Warfel would like to thank its dedicated clients and employees for being the driving forces that set the firm apart as a construction leader across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Warfel Construction Company Named Accredited Quality Contractor

Posted on December 13, 2022 by adminwarfelcc

Warfel Construction Company is pleased to announce that the firm has been named an Accredited Quality Contractor (AQC) by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). Only 450 of the nation’s elite merit shop construction contractors earned the credential in 2021.

“We are proud to have had a presence in the AQC program for multiple years since the designation’s inception,” said Matt Hartzler, President & CEO. “This achievement is a testament to our employee’s commitment to serving our clients with honesty, integrity, accountability, and teamwork.”

Launched nearly 30 years ago, ABC’s AQC program provides recognition to world-class construction firms that have documented their commitment in five areas:

Quality
Safety performance
Talent management, and inclusion, diversity and equity
Craft and management education
Community relations

“Accredited Quality Contractors set the standard in the contracting community in safety, culture, workforce development, innovation, diversity and quality,” said 2022 ABC National Chair of the Board of Directors Stephanie Schmidt, president of Poole Anderson Construction, State College, Pennsylvania. “Congratulations to this high-performing construction company. Daily, the leaders and employees of Warfel Construction Company commit to the highest level of corporate and community achievement, exemplifying the best about ABC membership.”

In earning the AQC credential, each member company commits to world-class safety by achieving Gold, Platinum, or Diamond level in ABC’s STEP Safety Management System. Founded more than three decades ago, STEP dramatically improves safety performance among construction industry participants, with top performers achieving incident rates more than eight times safer than the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics industry average.

Beiler Promoted to Safety Manager

Posted on November 22, 2022 by adminwarfelcc

Warfel Construction Company is pleased to announce that Jason Beiler has been promoted to Safety Manager. In his new role, Beiler will lead Warfel’s safety department in the evolution and implementation of company-wide safety standards, including support of our enhanced training program and relationship development with subcontractors.

“Jason has been instrumental in elevating our safety culture, working with trade partners and employees to implement proactive safety measures and supporting our jobs with pre-installation meetings and safety stand-downs,” said Michael Monaco, Director of Risk Management. “We look forward to his continued growth in this new, well-deserved role.”

Beiler came to Warfel in 2017, bringing more than 15 years of experience in the construction field to the company, as well as a Construction Health & Safety Technician designation from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.

He lives in East Lampeter, PA with his family, where he volunteers as a firefighter and president of the Lafayette Fire Company.

Maintaining Jobsite Safety During COVID-19

Posted on April 10, 2020 by adminwarfelcc

At Warfel, safety is always our top priority. We are committed to ensuring that our employees, trade partners, suppliers, and Clients leave work each day in the same condition that they arrived. We focus on prevention, going above and beyond OSHA requirements to maintain high standards of safety in each aspect of our business. Each Warfel employee, from laborer to jobsite superintendent, is empowered to hold their teammates accountable.

Our commitment to safety remains our most important focus as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. We are continuing to monitor the development of COVID-19 closely, utilizing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). Below, we’ve listed some of the steps we have taken to ensure business continuity, as well as the safety and health of our team members.

Daily Safety Screening

Upon arrival at a jobsite, all Warfel employees, trade partners, and site visitors are required to undergo screening to identify individuals who may be at risk for spreading COVID-19.

Safety_Covid_19_2 — *A designated Screening Administrator on each jobsite ensures that all workers are evaluated for COVID-19 exposure.*

Workers are asked if they have:

A fever
Experienced any respiratory challenges in the last 48 hours
Been exposed to anyone with a confirmed case of COVID-19, or who has been tested for COVID-19
Traveled outside of Pennsylvania in the last 14 days

Any worker identified with a temperature of 100 degrees or greater is turned away from our jobsites immediately. They must self-monitor and report for a minimum of 72 hours of under 100-degree temperature, or have a negative COVID-19 test result before they will be permitted back onto a Warfel jobsite.

Any individuals suspected of COVID-19 symptoms or in contact with someone with COVID-19 are immediately removed from their jobsite. They are required to self-isolate from Warfel projects for a minimum of 14 days.

Maximum Room Occupancy

Safety_Covid_19_1 — *A Warfel employee works in a taped off room to ensure that no other workers enter.*

Each work room (as defined on the architectural drawings) is assigned a maximum occupancy, ensuring that employees can work safely with a minimum 6′ distance between workers. Rooms are taped off once occupancy has been reached to ensure that no additional workers enter the room.

Social Distancing

Jobsite meetings are currently being held via teleconference or with a minimum of 6′ between all attendees. In-person attendees are minimized to maximize social distancing. Workers are also required to disperse throughout the site for break time and lunch, with a minimum of 6′ between individuals.

Universal Masking

Jobsite_Safety_COVID_5 — *A Warfel employee wears a homemade cloth mask. Masks are encouraged by the CDC to limit community spread.*

Following the most recent guidance from the CDC, Warfel has implemented universal masking on our jobsites. Cloth masks are being provided to every Warfel employee. We have asked all trade partners to provide a face covering for their employees.

Additional Hygiene Measures

Jobsite_Safety_COVID_4 — *A Warfel employee washes his hands at a portable wash table on a jobsite.*

Handwashing stations have been added to all jobsites for worker use. Workers are recommended to wash their hands with soap and water frequently throughout the day and are required to do so a minimum of four times per day. Employees are recommended to minimize the touching of their eyes, nose, and mouth.

Warfel Construction is committed to maintaining open channels of communication during this evolving situation. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

National Safety Week: Meet Safety Administrator Kristy Houck

Posted on May 4, 2018 by adminwarfelcc

At Warfel, safety is our top priority. We’re committed to making sure that each employee, subcontractor, consultant and client goes home the same way that he or she came to work that day. Our team of safety professionals works hard to maintain a culture and environment of safe work practices. Today, meet Safety Administrator Kristy Houck.

Kristy-Houck-Bryce — *Safety Administrator Kristy Houck and son Bryce*

Describe what you do at Warfel: I think it would be easier to list what I don’t do! I have my hands in a little bit of everything.

In your words, why is safety so important? I want everyone to go home everyday the same way they came to work.

Where did you go to school? Columbia High School

How long have you worked at Warfel? I have been at Warfel 11 years as of March.

What did you do before you came to Warfel? Before I came to Warfel, I worked for a company that dealt with people that were on workers compensation. We tried to place them in jobs that accommodated their restrictions.

What is your favorite part of your job? I love that everyday is different, and the people I work with

What is your most exciting accomplishment? My son, he has taught me more in life that he will ever know.

What has changed the most since you’ve started your career? I would have to say the procedures of the way we do things. When I started at Warfel we did everything paper copies. Now everything is more streamlined and done electronically.

What’s your favorite part of working in the construction industry? I love the construction industry because it’s never boring and it always changing. I love that every project is different.

If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be/what would you do? I wouldn’t switch with anyone, I like my job.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Spending time with my son, being active, spending time outdoors, reading, going to the movies and shopping.

You can learn more about National Safety Week here.

National Safety Week: Meet Safety Engineer Jason Beiler

Posted on May 4, 2018 by adminwarfelcc

Describe what you do at Warfel: I support our team in the field to ensure jobsite safety and ensure that everyone goes home in the same condition they came to work in and continue to improve safety on every jobsite. We accomplish that through various means of training, jobsite inspections, developing policies & procedures and other means.

In your words, why is safety so important? You’re only given one life to live. Without safety, that life can be taken from you too soon.

Where did you go to school? Lampeter-Strasburg High School, Harrisburg Area Community College

How long have you worked at Warfel? 7 months

What did you do before you came to Warfel? I was a safety specialist and sales manager for a local construction rental and sales company.

What is your favorite part of your job? Getting out to travel to see different job sites, as well as meeting the people who work hard to create and maintain our Clients For Life. Having been a carpenter at one point in the field myself years ago, I can relate to the guys in the field and like to try to bridge the gap between safety and how work is really performed in the field. Everyone knows it’s not always by the textbook – it’s thinking outside the box sometimes to get the job done safely and efficiently. They don’t teach that well in college or trade schools.

What is the worst job you ever had? Working security at an amusement park right after 9/11. After doing thousands of bag searches, you’d be amazed at what some people carry in their purses and bags! Oh, the stories I can tell…

What is your most exciting accomplishment? Being a volunteer firefighter, it’d be saving someone’s life. And being there in the moment to help calm the storm in what may be the worst moment of their life.

What advice would you give someone applying to Warfel? If you have a desire to succeed and are willing to learn, you’ll do well here.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your career? Never stop learning. When you think you know it all, you’re moving backward in your career and in life.

What has changed the most since you’ve started your career? Technology. Technology is changing at breakneck speed and new methods of building continue to be developed. And regulations – some for the better, some not so much, (not just safety regulations) have lengthened and made the building process harder, longer, and more complex than ever.

What’s your favorite part of working in the construction industry? No two jobs are the same or present the same challenges. It’s neat to see a building transformed from the ground up.

What do you think is the most challenging part of the construction industry? Finding people who want to work in the industry and either have experience or are willing to learn. Construction is currently growing at a fast pace with a major labor shortage across all trades at all levels within most companies.

If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be/what would you do? I wouldn’t switch with anyone specifically, but I would have loved to be an astronaut when NASA had shuttle program.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Spending time with my kids, friends, and family, playing guitar, following Philly sports.

What’s a fun fact about you that we might not know? I originally went to school to be a police officer.

You can learn more about National Safety Week here.

Keeping Students Safe: Planning for Construction at a 24/7 Campus

Posted on November 29, 2017March 24, 2026 by adminwarfelcc

When scheduling a construction project on a college or university campus, many concerns come to mind. Will capital campaigns raise enough funds to cover the project’s costs? Where will displaced community members be housed, learn, or teach while construction is ongoing? How will traffic flow be interrupted? But ultimately, the top concern for all stakeholders will be safety. What will it take to ensure that students, faculty, staff, and visitors remain safe during a construction project?

That’s where the Preconstruction process comes in. By carefully planning for and reviewing a project before the work starts, students, facility and staff members, as well as visitors, can stay safe and disruptions can be minimized during construction. Below are some key considerations to keep in mind while preparing for your construction project.

Fencing/Restricting Access to Site

First, ensure that access to the site is restricted to keep community members from walking through an active construction site. This usually starts with construction fencing but may include enforcement by campus security or other measures to discourage non-construction personnel from accessing the site. Construction fencing can take many forms, from standard chain-link fencing to screened fencing to help it blend into the background, to even telling the story of the future work being completed beyond the boundary. Your construction management firm should assist with developing and implementing the appropriate screening for their specific project.

Utilize Appropriate Signage

Signage is one of the most important aspects of a comprehensive safety program. Signs should be clear and concise, giving readers instructions on alternate routes, dangers ahead, etc. They should be placed in obvious locations along the routes used prior to the commencement of construction activities, since this disruption will be the main cause of confusion. Signs are an excellent way to keep your campus safe and provide information to your students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The signs should be large, easy to read, and available in multiple languages, depending on your students’ or community’s requirements.

Construction traffic directional signage will prevent workers or delivery drivers from driving down roads where the campus population is not expecting moving vehicles.
Safety signage prominently displayed at site entrances will assure that anyone entering your construction site has the appropriate personal protection equipment.
Do not enter signage warns community members not to access a potentially dangerous area.

Communication

Finally, communication is a key piece in maintaining a safe campus. Keeping students, faculty, staff, and visitors informed of any changes to normal schedules, closures of buildings or roads, and utility shutdowns is vital to maintaining safety as well as maintaining trust within your community. These communications can take a number of forms, such as posting on your website and social media platforms, publishing in campus media outlets, or attending campus group gatherings. Whichever form it takes, your construction management firm should work closely with you to ensure information is given to the appropriate people and that communication is timely, clear, and consistent.

A Commitment to Excellence

Fencing/Restricting Access to Site

Utilize Appropriate Signage

Communication

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